The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) has issued updated guidelines for the re-assignment of local authority water services workers under the framework for the future delivery of water services following ongoing negotiations with Fórsa and other local authority water service workers trade unions. 

As part of the ongoing transition of water services from local authorities to Uisce Éireann, new provisions have been established regarding the reassignment of existing local authority water workers to alternative roles within local authorities. This applies only to water workers who now fall under the direction and control of Uisce Éireann, and who have elected to be reassigned within local authorities. 

Under the updated procedures, which have been negotiated in consultation with the high-level Irish Water Consultative Group (IWCG), employees who are reassigned must receive written confirmation outlining their new role, working arrangements, and the specific provisions regarding retention of earnings.

Reassigned employees will be assigned new job titles, applicable to their new roles, and workers will retain their existing substantive grade and salary levels upon reassignment, ensuring continuity of pay. 

Certain allowances, such as weekend and on-call allowances, will continue to be paid to reassigned staff as long as the employee meets the required conditions (e.g., working a 39-hour week or signing up for the on-call roster), while staff who were operating under atypical working hours (e.g., 39 hours over 7 days) in their previous positions will now be expected to follow the working hours of the new role. 

Head of Local Government and Local Services and Municipal Employees Divisions Richy Carrothers explained that the revised guidelines have issued to clarify the processes and ensure transparency for employees in relation to their new roles and associated earnings.

“The new guidelines reflect a commitment to maintaining fairness and clarity as staff transition to new roles, ensuring that they continue to receive appropriate compensation and are supported throughout the process. The union group continues to work hard to secure protections for local authority water workers who are reassigned, and we welcome the updated clarification,” he said.  

Further information on reassignment procedures can be found here.

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